Grafton Township Separation of Powers Case Goes to Court

She’s in civil court seeking injunctive relief to regain her role as chief executive of the township. She hoped for immediate relief, but Judge Maureen McIntyre “found there was no emergency,” Moore attorney John Nelson said. A court date will be set Monday.

“The Grafton Township Board of Trustees has, without legal authority, engaged in a broad course of conduct designed to eliminate Supervisor Moore from conducting any Grafton Township business,” the suit says.

Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore and her attorney John Nelson leave the McHenry County Courthouse after filing a suit to reclaim the power that township trustees have taken from her. The sun was radiating enough heat to bring the temperature to 57 degrees.

Trustee Betty Zirk explains benefits of a new township hall approved by the trustees with adequate public notice, but defeated on a tie vote by township electors.

“I am sure my client’s (being a plaintiff in the suit and having) engineered the end of the $5 million palace they wanted to build has nothing to do with the board’s concerns…I say that with tongue firmly in cheek,” Nelson said after setting next Monday’s court date to set a court date for a hearing on the merits of Moore’s suit.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in the case to watch the YouTube video of the last meeting.”

Moore not only seeks the return of her powers, but also, confirmation of the legitimacy of her firing of Ancil Glick partner Keri-Lyn Krafthefer and Township Administrator Pam Fender.

Nelson spoke of two court cases upon which he based his motion.

One says that the township supervisor is in charge of hiring and firing employees, as long as there are not more than five paid by the Town Fund. Excluded from the employee count are employees of the assessor and road commissioner, as well as those paid by the General Assistance Fund.

Grafton Township has three bus drivers who fit that category.

“Three are smaller than five,” Nelson said.

Another case rebuked Cicero Town officials for banishing its township collector to a closet and firing the two employees.

Moore’s new office is the township clerk’s old one, one without a window.

Trustees continually point out that the township attorney, selected by Moore, but later dismissed by Moore, “wrote the book.”

“It’s a felony to threaten a criminal case to obtain a civil judgment or right,” Nelson pointed out.

Nelson outlined the duties of township trustees:

They review the bills, audit the bills

They approve the budget which has to provide adequate space for the assessor, supervisor and town collector to do his or her job.

They can provide for salaries.

They can provide conditions, if over five employees.

Township trustees are limited to what the law says.

Grafton Township Board at its March 2nd meeting, which you can see on YouTube. From left to right are Trustees Gerry McMahon, Betty Zirk, Rob LaPorta and Barb Murphy. Supervisor Linda Moore is seen standing.

“These township trustees have stepped way over those bounds,” Nelson charged.

“This is a separation of powers case that involved the fundamental right of people to elect their own political leaders.

“The core issue is that the voters of Grafton Township voted my client in as Grafton Township Supervisor. Their wisdom or lack thereof is no longer at issue.”

Nelson serves as Winnebago County’s Harlem Township Attorney. That township, north of Rockford, has a population comparable to Grafton’s.

And, who will pay Nelson’s bill?

“I represent her in her official capacity,” he said.

Read this section of the case:

“Supervisor Moore is entitled to legal counsel in her capacity as Grafton Township Supervisor as she is in legal conflict with defendants, and this litigation is necessary to settle the rights, obligations and duties of the parties. The necessity of payment for legal counsel paid for by Grafton Township is well-settled under the law. In Wayne Township Board of Auditors, DuPage County v. Ludwig, 154 Ill.App.3d 899, 507 N. E. 2d 199, 204, 107 Ill. Dec. 535, 540 (2nd Dist., 1987) the court held that where an actual conflict exists between a Town Board and one of the town’s officers the town officer is entitled to be represented by independent counsel. The court went on to say that independent counsel is entitled to a reasonable fee for same.”

McHenry County lies within the 2nd Appellate Court District.

What if Moore wins the case and the trustees won’t follow the judge’s order?

“I would be seeking jail time for contempt,” Nelson said. If it reaches that stage, it will not be the first time the four trustees have displeased a judge by not obeying a court order. It happened in the new township hall case, too.

Keri-Lyn Krafthefe

Moore’s seeking judicial approval of her termination of the legal services of Keri-Lyn Krafthefer.

Nelson court document points out that Moore appointed her and says,

“Logic would dictate that Keri-Lyn Krafthefer serves at the pleasure of the Supervisor of Grafton Township. However, it appears that this is an issue of first impression.”

Comments

Grafton Township Separation of Powers Case Goes to Court — 3 Comments

Cal, you are really hung up on the fact that Linda Moore no longer has a window in her office. At a recent GT meeting, it was said that Linda covered her window with paper (Like a vampire, Moore does not like daylight). Will you be campaigning for Linda that her cell has a window? What happened to the most recent lawyer “working” for Linda? His name was Cohen. COHEN BAILED! I’m surprised Linda Moore found “A” lawyer willing to represent her. Linda goes though lawyers faster than Mikey Rooney goes through wives. Let’s see how long Nelson lasts. More Grafton Taxpayer money being wasted by Linda. Too bad Moore uses her power for evil instead of good. Sad stuff from Linda Moore.

I wish I knew long ago that I could sue to have people “treat her in a civil manner, to refrain from and avoid calling her incompetent and requiring that she be addressed with respect and in a normal tone of voice”. I would have been in court constantly and with many different people. Come on now! You have to be kidding me! You can’t force people to respect you or even treat you in any positive way. How ridiculous is this?!?!?!?! And look at the picture of LM, she’s proud of this? Does that mean when children disrespect their parents, to court they go? When employers disrespect their employees? When customers disrespect their providers? I can’t wrap my head around the comedy this is. I guess it just goes to show, you can sue for anything (or at least try).

The Grafton township people should be enraged by this behavior. It is beyond ridiculous and a waste of your money! Grafton residents, do not let this continue….stand up for yourselves!

Before you leap to judgement….John M Nelson is a board member of the Illinois Township Attorney’s association. He is no hack. We have witnessed the usurping of duties by a board that is at once out of control and brow beaten-all of them- by a small man with big dreams. If you want Grafton Township residents to stand, then the first issue for them to stand for is the absolutely outrageous theft of duties the voters have vested in Moore. Which equates to a theft of the people’s will. It is just that simple…
I could care less if the attorney KLK had anything to do with interpretation of township law. That fact she has allowed herself to be on record clearly taking sides is beyond comprehension. She is clearly representing 4 people, and not me, a lifelong resident of Grafton Township. While her clock continuously ticks……..While Township law can be interpreted history can not be rewritten.